So quickly de-conditioned

[Lise]

I haven't run much the past three weeks, between traveling to Virginia (wedding), Utah (conference), h*ll (puking this weekend), etc. So I got back out there this morning. Gorgeous morning, a bit warm, but fine. I could not run more than about 1/2 a mile without walking some. I also had only 1/2 glass OJ before getting going. Usually I get up an hour ahead, eat, go back to bed, get up, run. Couldn't do it this morning.

Anyway, I'd feel strong for about a block, then my legs would feel so weak. Possibly some residual from this weekend's stomach bug. I don't know. I just want to be able to run without having to stop and walk. Fast is not really my goal, but steady, at a reasonable pace. Building back up.

[DrBee]

I'm so new to this running thing - that's about how I feel everytime! I felt better today than the last time, though. Baby steps...

I'm sure you'll feel better after you recover from the puking event.

[Pedal Wench]

Lise,

I had the same problem on my bike this weekend. I was off the bike for three weeks (hiking in the Grand Canyon) followed by a bout with food poisoning, so three days of not eating. I was filling a bit better, ate real food on Friday and tried to do a 66 mile ride on Saturday. Well, days of fasting really deplete your glycogen stores, so I was basically in a bonk that no amount of gel/food/gatorade would fix. That's probably what happened to you - it's not so much what you ate right before the run, but also what you ate the week before.

[Deborajen]

Lise,

Don't be so hard on yourself! I doubt you have that bug completely out of your system.

I'm no medical expert but when I'm sick I just lay off for a few days and then start easing back into exercise a few days later. Give the body some time to rehydrate and renourish. It'll come back. I think sometimes the body just needs a little vacation from all the work.

Deb

[Lise]

That really makes sense, guys. It felt like a bonk--sudden dramatic lack of energy.

I'm going back out of town for 4 days this weekend, and I felt like I had to get a run in this morning. I'll be active this weekend, I will run some, I'll play volleyball, and walk a lot. But my normal training routine is just shot for the moment.

Plus which, I worked two call shifts this weekend even though sick--I got some help with the beginning of Sat because I was still unable to get out of bed, but sometimes you just have to do it, if at all possible. I laid around Sun, and didn't work too hard on the night shift Sun night, but I am not all better yet.

Somehow, riding the bike is not a problem, probably because it's just pedal and coast, pedal and coast. Running is a different story!

PS: Pedal Wench, what is that on your bunny's head? I always think it looks like a cinnamon bun. Hmmm...bunny....cin. bun...maybe?!

[Pedal Wench]

It's a chocolate donut on the bunny's head. It still makes me laugh when I see it!

[KSH]

I figured out that if I don't run at least 2 times a week, I lose my fitness very quickly.

If I hadn't run for 3 weeks, there is no way I would be able to make it 1/2 a mile without stopping.

At this point, I haven't run in 8 weeks... and I can barely run 3-4 minutes without needing to walk... and I am HUFFING and PUFFING and HURTING at the end of those 3 minutes!

Get back to running... keep with it... it will come back. Best of luck!